Community workshops improve skills and self-confidence

The Koue Bokkeveld Opleidingsentrum (KBOS) again made a precious contribution to community development in the Witzenberg district with their practical Handyman/Woman workshops.

This initiative began in 2024 and was born out of frustrations in the community about common household problems costing an arm and a leg. The question was simple: “Why don’t we learn to fix these problems ourselves?” Edna Nigrini, the KBOS manager of social and youth development, started organising. The workshops, presented by Bruce Arries of Bronaar, quickly became popular. In 2025 the format was expanded to two sessions – one focusing on repairs inside and the other on the outside. For an affordable R130 per person for both sessions, participants learnt practical skills like fixing a tap, installing a basin, adapting a Geyser’s temperature and even how to identify a burntout element. Edna says the attendance was excellent: 58 and 60 people respectively took part in the first and second sessions, of which the majority were women. A total of 60 participants completed the 2025 session which included 48 from the 2024 session.

Apart from helping participants to learn to save money, the biggest value of the course is the sense of empowerment it creates, says Edna: It is so powerful to know you can fix your door’s lock yourself, and not having to rely on someone else. She also emphasises the importance the confidence and pride that it brings to households. Kids see that mom can do things herself! Landi Kahlmeyer, community development officer of KBOS added that there is a big need to offer similar courses on farms, empowering someone in every household to do basic repairs – an important step to save money and improve living conditions. Joy van Biljon, another supporter of the project, sees this as proof of how farm workers’ attitudes have changed over the years from a feeling of dependence and helplessness to active participation and problem solving. “The attendance of these workshops is clear proof that farm workers are thinking differently about their circumstances,” she said.

“It’s a sign of a healthy civil society and a positive antipode to the tragic images of dilapidated farmhouses.” The new handymen and -women were full of praise about this initiative. One woman said she was going to ask her manager to offer something similar on their farm to ensure household repairs can be done in-house and affordable. The Handyman/Woman workshops is an inspiring example of how information sharing and skills development can empower communities – one tap, one lock, one household at a time.